THE WIZARD & THE MAGIC WAND: NOZOMI’S TRIUMPH THRUXTON 1200 R
From Tokyo's streets to coastal solos—how Nozomi mastered a 1200cc café racer as a 157 cm rider through sheer determination, suspension tuning, and an unwavering love for the ride.
When Tokyo-based automotive industry professional Nozomi walked into a Triumph dealership, she wasn't intending to buy. But just like a magic wand choosing its wizard, the 2019 Triumph Thruxton 1200 R spoke directly to her. Jumping from a modest 250cc commuter straight into a 1200cc modern classic café racer within her first year of riding was a bold move—and one that came with real challenges.
Nozomi Triumph Thruxton 1200 R
„It honestly felt like the bike chose me, just like a magic wand chooses its wizard in Harry Potter!“
Nozomi
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Standing at 157 cm (5'1"), Nozomi initially struggled with the bike's height and weight, dropping it five times at a standstill in the early days. Instead of stepping back, she adapted: custom-tuning the front forks and rear Ohlins suspension for better footing, and hitting the gym to build the physical strength needed to command the machine. Today, whether pushing boundaries on the highway or riding solo along the Japanese coastline with the engine as her soundtrack, Nozomi embodies the relentless grit and joy of modern motorcycle culture.
THE RIDER
Name: Nozomi
Base: Tokyo, Japan
Garage / Life: Automotive industry professional, solo road-tripper, and advocate for embracing two wheels without fear.
THE MACHINE
Model: 2019 Triumph Thruxton 1200 R
Spec & Mods: Custom suspension lowering (tailored front fork and rear shock setup for ergonomic reach and handling) while keeping the iconic factory café racer aesthetic intact.
IN CONVERSATION WITH Nozomi
RWN MOTOZINE: Who are you, where are you based, and what do you do when you’re not out riding or in the garage?
Nozomi: My name is Nozomi, and I’m based in Tokyo, Japan. I work for a company in the automotive industry.
RWN MOTOZINE: What is the exact make, model, and year of the bike, and how did you get your hands on it?
Nozomi: It’s a 2019 Triumph Thruxton 1200 R. I had been interested in the Thruxton for about a year before I got mine. One day, I happened to visit a Triumph retailer just for a look, and that’s when I found it. It honestly felt like the bike chose me, just like a magic wand chooses its wizard in Harry Potter!
RWN MOTOZINE: What have you modified, restored, or tailored on the bike? Was there a specific challenge along the way?
Nozomi: I felt that my Thruxton was already beautifully finished when I first saw it, so I haven’t made any major customizations. However, I’m 157 cm tall, so I struggled a little with the seat height and getting my feet firmly on the ground. I had the front forks and rear suspension adjusted to improve the riding position and make the bike easier for me to handle.
One of my biggest challenges was getting used to the bike's weight and the limited footing. I started riding the Thruxton within my first year of getting my motorcycle licence, and I dropped it at a standstill five times...! These days, I’ve been doing a training to build the strength I need to support and handle the bike better. Be tough!
RWN MOTOZINE: Is there a specific memory, road trip, or moment with this bike that stands out to you?
Nozomi: One moment that really stands out was the first time I rode at 220 km/h. I could literally feel the adrenaline rushing through me. Before the Thruxton, I had been riding a 250cc motorcycle, so the difference in power and acceleration was absolutely incredible.
I also really enjoy riding alone along the coast. Sometimes I turn off my music completely and just listen to the sound of the engine. There’s something really special about that.
RWN MOTOZINE: What does motorcycle culture mean to you? Feel free to share anything else you’d like our readers to know.
Nozomi: I got my first motorcycle when I was 26, and at 27, I finally got my dream bike, the Thruxton R. Since discovering motorcycles, I’ve been able to see so many different places and meet so many wonderful people. Sometimes I even regret not starting to ride sooner.
You only get one life. If you’re thinking about riding, just go for it! I believe motorcycles can make your life more exciting and colorful, as long as you ride safely and responsibly. Life is meant to be enjoyed — so let’s enjoy it!
RWN MOTOZINE: Nozomi, thank you for the craft, the time, and for keeping the raw spirit of the culture alive.
Photos by Nozomi & 22fuku765 - Story by Sascha Köhmstedt